Young reporter joins CEO Sleepout mission

A North East community enterprise is helping young people build confidence and connections through creative learning and real-world experiences.

NetWORK NotWORK CIC, which runs networking and skills programmes across the region, is supporting this year’s CEO Sleepout in Sunderland through its Junior Journalism initiative. 

Eleven-year-old Alice Carruthers will join business leaders at the Stadium of Light on November 6, spending the night outdoors to raise funds for people affected by homelessness, while documenting the event for her school-age news project.

Alice, alongside her seven-year-old brother Alex and parents Kat and Michael – who founded NetWORK NotWORK (NWNW) – will be among those taking part in the overnight challenge. 

The family’s community interest company operates seven groups across the North East and runs several youth-focused schemes designed to boost employability, confidence and creativity.

Its Junior Journalism programme gives pupils the chance to develop media and storytelling skills through interviewing, filming and podcasting.

Alice said: “I was born prematurely, which brought some challenges like hearing loss and tunnel vision, but it’s also made me stronger.

“School hasn’t always been easy, and I’ve often had to work harder to keep up, but I’ve learned that struggling means growing.

“A big part of my journey has been joining Junior Journalism, a place that gives young people like me a voice and a safe space to learn and share. 

“It’s helped me build confidence, develop new skills and realise that my story matters. I may have challenges, but I also have dreams – and I’m proud of who I am.”

Kat added: “At NWNW, we believe that every child and young person deserves the chance to thrive, no matter their background.

“Each programme is carefully designed to complement the national curriculum and links classroom learning with real-world challenges, helping pupils understand not just ‘what’ they are learning, but ‘why’ it matters for their future. 

“Our unique ‘Know, Develop and Grow’ approach to education moves learners from exploratory work to practical application.”

The project is backed by funding from Larch, Thirteen, Asda Foundation and Miller Homes, while its wider Ignite XP! scheme is supported by Believe Housing and the Dogger Bank Wind Farm.

The CEO Sleepout, founded in Teesside, brings together business and community leaders to raise money and awareness for homelessness charities across the UK.

To register for the CEO Sleepout Sunderland, see here.

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